Loneliness is literally killing us | Will Wright | TEDxBirmingham

In this counterintuitive talk, healthcare tech entrepreneur Will Wright shares the strong impact that loneliness has on our health, and proposes a novel idea for how we can easily connect with others and combat its effect.

Will Wright is the CEO and co-founder of Pack Health, a digital health-coaching company that offers one-on-one coaching and membership benefits to make being healthy easier and less costly. Headquartered in Birmingham, Pack Health strives to help people access the right care and develop the self- management skills needed to improve their well-being.

Prior to co-founding Pack Health in 2013, Wright worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company, where he specialized in advanced analytics and healthcare strategy for large insurance companies, health systems, and pharmaceutical companies. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvard University and his Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, where he received the Haas Public Service and Leadership award.

[joshlicht]

Digital empathy is good, but nothing beats human touch and looking someone in the eye.

[GS-stns]

I'm not sold on the idea of digital empathy. Every now and then I'll get a text that makes me feel good, but for the most part I don't believe people need that. I believe they need hugs and conversation. Especially hugs. I go to nursing homes and just hug people because I know they need it and because it makes me feel good

[foxb]

loneliness is one of the most horrible thing a person can experience

[yasminkhalifa]

Texting doesn't decrease loneliness, In fact it make me lonelier . when you are lonely you want a real connection, a real human contact not a quick helpful message from someone who are always too busy to call you.

[ArdeshirBanerjee]

I have tried making friends. But they don't stick. They come and go as they please. Only when they require help.

[IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Being alone is not always a choice. Some of us are isolated out of illness. It's surprising to learn that so many people (friends, lovers, family) flee when someone becomes disabled with a chronic illness. So loneliness compounds already poor health.

[marthaalmonte]

Loneliness is a physical pain that hurts all over, you can’t just isolate it to one part of your body.

[janir-n]

I agree with this completely! Struggling with loneliness and the desperation that ensues scaring people away leading to more loneliness and desperation. It's a vicious circle! I just want to connect with someone on a real level. Someone to hug me when my world is getting too much or too heavy for me and tell me everythings gonna be ok.
I know it's said that we have to be happy being alone and just with ourselves before we can love anyone else but I just don't think that it's natural for us as human beings to be alone.

[pammistar]

I've been suffering from loneliness for year since I was 12yrs old and now I'm 40 and still going through it. I try to make friends but it never last, I often think about suicide just so the pain would stop.

[MartellThaCool]

Loneliness is killing me and I live alone with society anxiety disorder throughout my life. I get nervous meeting people

[Makeupbykimberlyp]

This sounds like fake empathy. I believe digital connection is helpful, but only if it’s someone you actually have an relationship with.

[qzugljc]

I have zero friends.I mean this literally. The average amount of words I speak at school a day is probably less than 1. Maybe a "thanks" when someone does something I am grateful for. Nodding being my biggest way of interacting with others.

But then I just come home, and I sit here by myself, then the cycle repeats.

[emersonthomas]

When you crave connection so much you push others away and isolate yourself more, because you don't feel you deserve connection, because your very craving acts as proof as to why you are worthless.

[geminigirl]

It makes my day when someone actually really reaches out to me to check on me? Like "hey, how you been?"

[jojoBlini]

This video coudln't come out at a better time, i've been struggling for so long..

[ssjdon]

Its crazy how the most important thing in life that can lead to either life or death is just talking to someone....doesnt cost anything, and it's free..yet people dont do it.

[corniss]

I feel more lonely when i am with people than when i am by myself.

[CadmusAU]

Loneliness is soul crushing… it’s gonna be the death of me

[prcious]

This so true about me omg!!
The gaining weight, lack of proper sleep, backpain, depression. It's all happening to me.

[kmitbuhl]

Loneliness is definately an epidemic in our society today. At 61, having been widowed suddenly 10yrs ago, now going through the "empty nest" phase loneliness has often been my constant companion. I realize that it is up to me to change this, no one is going to do it for me. I've joined different Meetup groups which helps to get me out of the house. I also summoned the courage yesterday to go to an alt rock feetival alone after two of my "fake" friends cancelked out on me. Guess what I had a wonderful time, talking with other music lovers in line and on the dance floor, enjoying my favorite bands. Didn't feel lonely at all!